Indiana University of Pennsylvania alumni and friends were recognized during the university’s annual Celebration Weekend with the annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast and the Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala on April 11.
During the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, the 2026 Award of Excellence in Volunteer Leadership was presented to members of the IUP community in four categories:
- Punxsutawney Area College Trust, Award of Excellence in Volunteer Leadership for Advancement Support
- Denise Imbrogno and Patrick Imbrogno, Award of Excellence in Volunteer Leadership Affinity Service Award
- Sloan Kayla Dantzler, Award of Excellence in Volunteer Leadership Regional Impact
- Kamden Boyle, Award of Excellence in Volunteer Leadership Aspiring Alumni Award
In addition, Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and faculty emeritus Charles Cashdollar, a 1965 IUP graduate, and his wife, Donna Cashdollar, a graphic designer, were recognized with the Legacy Impact Award, presented in honor of IUP’s 150th anniversary.
Karen Deklinski, left, keynote speaker for the Volunteer Breakfast Awards, with IUP Vice President for University Advancement Jennifer DeAngelo
The keynote address for the event was presented by IUP Distinguished Alumni Award and IUP Alumni Ambassador Award recipient and former president of the IUP Alumni Board of Directors, Karen Deklinski. A 1979 government and public services graduate of IUP, Deklinski, originally of West Newton, made history as a student when she was elected IUP’s first woman Student Government Association president.
Deklinski has an extensive career in Pennsylvania government, including serving as deputy secretary for administration for the Department of Community Affairs in Governor Tom Ridge’s administration and then overseeing the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, responsible for managing multimillion-dollar budgets and appropriations. In addition to her IUP degree, she has a master’s degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
Scott Rhoades, center, presents an IUP flag that he carried during a 2016 reduced gravity research flight as part of his work in aerospace health to Vice President for University Advancement Jennifer DeAngelo, left, and IUP President Michael Driscoll
Young Alumni Achievement Award recipient Scott Rhoades, originally of Indiana County, a 2006 master’s degree in nursing graduate, made a special presentation during the breakfast event: an IUP flag that he carried during a 2016 reduced gravity research flight as part of his work in aerospace health.
Rhoades, a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, has a 30-year career in healthcare with a diverse background in emergency medical services, emergency nursing, flight nursing, wilderness medicine, and aerospace nursing, with experiences in direct patient care, education, research, and administration. He completed an aerospace nursing graduate internship at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center and established a regional FAA-accredited Aviation Medical Center.
He has also provided medical support for air show operations for a variety of military and civilian flight performers and served as a nurse reservist for four Space Shuttle launches, including the final flights of the space shuttles Atlantis and Endeavor.
He is the founder and executive director of the Center for Aerospace Nursing Excellence and serves as a representative to NASA’s Health and Human Performance Center at Johnson Space Center in Houston, where he participated in training astronauts and cosmonauts on medical procedures for spaceflight. He also is a volunteer for Mission Aviation Fellowship and the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
“Volunteering isn’t just about giving away time,” IUP President Michael Driscoll said during the breakfast event. “It’s about belief. It’s a statement that you believe in this university’s mission and, more importantly, in the potential of our students. That support is what allows us to keep moving forward, and we are grateful for all you do for IUP.”
IUP Vice President for University Advancement Jennifer DeAngelo presented the awards during the breakfast.
Award of Excellence in Volunteer Leadership for Advancement Support
The award for Advancement Support recognizes volunteers who continually inspire others to give back their time and treasure to advance IUP.
Volunteer Leadership Award Breakfast: from left, Aspiring Alumni Award recipient Kamden Boyle, Affinity Service Award recipients Pat Imbrogno and Denise Imbrogno, IUP Council of Trustees Chair and Punxsutawney Area College Trust member Sam Smith, IUP Vice President for University Advancement Jennifer DeAngelo, Punxsutawney Area College Trust President Tom Frantz representing PACT as the Advancement Support Award recipient, IUP President Michael Driscoll, Legacy Impact Award recipient Donna Cashdollar, Punxsutawney Area College Trust member Scott North, Legacy Impact Award recipient Charles Cashdollar, Regional Impact Award recipient Sloan Kayla Dantzler.
The Punxsutawney Area College Trust (PACT) has been a steadfast partner of IUP for more than 60 years, investing in the success of IUP students—particularly those studying at the Punxsutawney campus—by supporting academic programming, enhancing facilities, and strengthening community-based initiatives that enrich the student experience. The Punxsutawney Trust pays the full tuition for dual enrollment students. This enables students from Punxsutawney High School to obtain college credit without any cost.
“Through their commitment to higher education in Jefferson County, they have helped generations of students begin their IUP journey with a strong foundation, whether it be through support for the culinary arts program, dual enrollment opportunities to local high school students with discounted tuition, scholarships and funding, projects like Healthcare Pathways, and other initiatives,” DeAngelo said.
J. Thomas Frantz, PACT board president, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Affinity Services Award
The Award of Excellence in Volunteer Leadership for Affinity Service recognizes volunteers who engage alumni through reunions, departmental, and/or college activities.
The Imbrognos, of Moon Township, both 1978 graduates of IUP, are devoted supporters of IUP with a longstanding commitment to the IUP football program.
Patrick Imbrogno, a former IUP football standout, was inducted into the IUP Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014 and has continued to champion the program with Denise Imbrogno. Patrick Imbrogno is president and CEO of GEO-COM LLC.
DeAngelo recognized the couple for “generously supporting IUP athletics and serving as welcoming hosts to former players and coaches, opening their home each summer to foster camaraderie, mentorship, and enduring connections. Their hospitality and philanthropy reflect a deep loyalty to IUP and a genuine investment in the lives of its student-athletes,” she said.
Patrick Imbrogno is a former member of the IUP Athletics Advancement Council, a current member of the Environmental Engineering Advisory Board, and joins his wife as members of the Leadership, Loyalty, and Grid Iron Giving Societies.
Regional Impact Award
The Regional Impact Award recognizes a volunteer who champions IUP in their region by engaging alumni through events, supports recruitment efforts, or provides internship or employment opportunities.
Sloan Kayla Dantzler, of Philadelphia, a 2015 philosophy graduate of IUP, has been an active member of IUP’s Black Experience Alumni Committee, playing a vital role in strengthening alumni engagement by hosting networking and community-building events for alumni and students throughout the Philadelphia area. As BEAC cochair, she also supports the IUP Office of Admissions by assisting with recruitment efforts and actively volunteering with the Promising Scholars program. Dantzler is an assistant director of graduate recruitment for Drexel University.
“Her commitment reflects a deep passion for access, mentorship, and student success at IUP,” DeAngelo said.
Aspiring Alumni Award
The Aspiring Alumni Award recognizes outstanding initiative by graduating seniors working to inspire students to be active in the life of the university.
“This year’s recipient is a highly engaged student at IUP whose active involvement on campus reflects a strong commitment to the university community,” DeAngelo said. “Through his work in admissions, housing, and alumni engagement, he bridges the student-alumni experience with enthusiasm and purpose. Kamden’s dedication and service signal a bright future as a deeply involved and impactful IUP alumnus,” she said.
Kamden Boyle, a 2024 political science and homeland security graduate of IUP, is currently pursuing his master’s degree in public affairs at IUP. From Seward, Westmoreland County, he is the son of Nicolas Boyle of New Florence and Nicole Boyle of Seward. He is a 2022 graduate of Ligonier Valley High School.
In addition to the Aspiring Alumni Award, Boyle was selected for the 2024 IUP Bridge Builder Award and was named Resident Assistant of the Year in 2024 and Crimson Guide of the Year in 2025.
He is a graduate advisor for the IUP Ambassadors student-alumni group, a graduate assistant for the Office of Alumni and Friends, a Crimson Guide (tour guide), a graduate support assistant for Housing Operations, and an intern for the Office of Student Leadership. He is a member of the IUP 150th Anniversary Steering Committee and the IUP Parking Authority Review Board. He also was selected for membership in Rho Alpha Sigma resident assistant honors society.
He was a reporter for The Penn student newspaper from September 2022 to May 2024, a member of the 2025 IUP Homecoming Committee, and a resident assistant from August 2023 to May 2024.
Legacy Impact Award
“As we celebrate IUP’s 150th anniversary this year, we couldn’t end this awards program without including a special one that recognizes two volunteers for their extraordinary service to IUP and their lasting contributions to preserving and celebrating the university’s history,” DeAngelo said.
“Through years of dedicated research, writing, and advocacy, this couple brought IUP’s remarkable journey to life in the book The IUP Story: From Normal School to University. Their work captures more than dates and milestones—it tells the story of people, purpose, and progress that define IUP.
“Dr. Cashdollar also played a pivotal role in supporting the university’s 150th anniversary, helping ensure that this historic milestone was grounded in scholarship, reflection, and pride. Together, their commitment has strengthened IUP’s institutional memory and deepened our collective appreciation for its legacy,” DeAngelo said.
In May 2021, IUP’s Council of Trustees approved naming Jane E. Leonard Hall—as requested by the Cashdollars—in honor of Leonard’s “incredible dedication” and in recognition of the many contributions from the Cashdollars.
Charles Cashdollar is the founding director of the liberal studies program at IUP and served as the chair of the committee that led to the establishment of the Cook Honors College. Donna Cashdollar has served IUP in a number of leadership roles, including as a long-time member of the University Museum Board of Directors.
2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
Six alumni were honored with the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Standing, from left: IUP President Michael Driscoll, Ed Hartman, James Leda, Vice President for University Advancement Jennifer DeAngelo.
Sitting, from left: Christine R. Hardy, Sharise Hemby Nance.
Recipient Michael Formica is missing from photo.
During the past 39 years, only 416 of the university’s more than 150,000 alumni have received the Distinguished Alumni Award. This award is the highest award given by the IUP Alumni Association to university alumni. It is presented to alumni who have achieved distinction in their chosen fields or who have demonstrated loyal and active service to their alma mater. Alumni must be nominated and selected by a committee of alumni volunteers.
George E. Blair ’54, Retired Deputy Chancellor of the State University of New York; Founder, Black World Championship Rodeo and the New York City Riding Academy (posthumous award)
Believed to be the school’s first Black male graduate, the late Blair endured the challenges of segregation to become a minister, educator, and administrator. After hitchhiking from Pittsburgh to Indiana at 16, he paid his tuition by working in the library and performing with a band. He was commissioned as an Army officer at graduation and later earned a master’s degree and a doctorate. The son of a sharecropper, he started riding horses at age three. Before retiring as deputy chancellor of the State University of New York, he founded both the Black World Championship Rodeo, which recognized the vast history of Black riders, and the New York City Riding Academy, which developed equestrian and life skills in inner-city youth.
Michael Formica ’82, Executive Director to the Command General, US Army Transformation and Training Command, Smithfield, VA
Originally from Johnstown, Formica is an IUP ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate who earned his degree in criminology. After his IUP graduation, Formica went on to a 43-year career in the US Army, earning two master’s degrees along the way. He served 27 years as an officer in the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and commanded 3,500 soldiers during combat operations in Iraq, for which he received the Distinguished Service Medal. After retiring from active duty, Formica joined the Senior Executive Service—an honor reserved for only a few hundred among nearly 300,000 Army civilians, later reaching the rare rank of Tier 3 Senior Executive—equivalent to a three-star general—guiding strategic planning and supporting the training of more than 500,000 soldiers and civilians each year.
Christine R. Hardy ’99, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Data Privacy Officer, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Atlanta
Growing up in Philadelphia, Hardy persevered through teenage motherhood. She cared for a young family while juggling the demands of law school. As a trial attorney, she litigated transportation cases nationwide. In 2014, she joined Norfolk Southern Corporation and, in 2020, was named to her current position, responsible for advising on complex corporate, regulatory, and commercial matters. She has excelled in integrating legal strategy with enterprise goals and led the development and implementation of the company’s first data governance and artificial-intelligence governance frameworks. Based in Atlanta, she serves on the board of Cool Girls, Inc. and is an active volunteer with STEM education programs, food banks, a victims’ support organization, and pro bono legal initiatives.
Ed Hartman ’86, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh
A 2019 inductee into the IUP Athletics Hall of Fame, Hartman was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986, played professionally for four seasons, and earned MVP honors in the minor leagues. He later built a distinguished career as a financial strategist. In his current role with the Pirates, he leads finance, human resources, strategy, and technology teams. As founder of the corporate renewal company CFO BI, he led the turnaround of a $360-million business. He also served as chief financial officer of Aires, a Pittsburgh-based corporate relocation firm.
James Leda ’95, Managing Director, KRyS Global USA, Inc.
A passion for high-stakes business finance set Leda on a path to some of the world’s most influential financial institutions, including Merrill Lynch, PPM America, and his current position with Cayman-based insolvency firm KRyS Global. As an IUP undergraduate, he was a student trustee and president of IUP’s Student Government Association, and graduated magna cum laude with degrees in finance and accounting. Later, he earned an MBA at the University of Chicago. He is passionate about giving back to his alma mater, establishing the James and Leslie Leda Career Readiness and Job Placement Endowment, supporting future generations of students, and is president of the Foundation for IUP Board of Directors, responsible for oversight of the foundation’s efforts to steward its assets for the benefit of IUP.
Sharise Hemby Nance ’02, CEO and Cofounder, SWAG Alliance Foundation; Owner and Founder, Vitamin C Healing, Pittsburgh
Since graduating with a degree in psychology, Nance has earned a master’s degree in social work, provided mental health services to thousands of patients, and added the roles of entrepreneur and author to her résumé. She co-owns HandinHand Counseling Services, which aims to reduce mental health disparities in Black communities, and founded Vitamin C Healing, which provides workshops, group coaching, and online courses to enhance the emotional wellness of social workers. She also created the Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness (SWAG) Awards to recognize social-work heroes in the Greater Pittsburgh area for compassionate service and commitment to the profession. Known as the “Compassion Fatigue Lady” and a Burnout Culture Disruptor, Nance is considered one of the pioneers of compassion fatigue prevention in western Pennsylvania.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. As IUP celebrates its 150th anniversary during the 2025–26 academic year and through the Impact 150 comprehensive campaign, the university honors a legacy of educational excellence while looking to its next 150 years of student success, innovation, leadership in healthcare education, and public service.